[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: God calls the busy

Read: Mathew 4:18-22

Meditation verse:

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen” (Mathew 4:18).

When God needs a special task accomplished, He often looks for those who are already engaged in meaningful activity. A glance through the scriptures confirms this pattern. Simon Peter and his brother Andrew were busy fishing when Jesus called them to become His apostles. James and John were in the boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets and preparing for the next catch when Jesus invited them to join His mission. Matthew was at his post in the tax office. David was faithfully tending sheep in the wilderness when the prophet Samuel summoned him to be anointed king. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress when the angel appeared to announce his divine assignment to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. Each of these individuals was already involved in some form of service when God called them.

God rarely chooses the idle. Those who are already busy tend to have experience managing time, responsibilities, and resources. David’s years as a shepherd equipped him to lead a nation. When God needed someone to shepherd His people, He chose someone who had already proven himself in the quiet fields of obedience.

Activity also reveals character. It tests our discipline, reveals our strengths, and shapes our work ethic. If you’re idle, there’s nothing to evaluate or build upon. But when you’re engaged—even in small or mundane tasks—you demonstrate readiness. The diligent are often more focused, goal-oriented, and purposeful. As Proverbs 22:29 (KJV) declares: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

Whatever you’re doing today, do it with excellence and intention. It matters. Your current assignment may be God’s training ground for something greater. And if you’re idle, don’t wait for a “perfect” opportunity—get busy with whatever is before you, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Stay faithful, because in God’s hands, every task has purpose. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

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